Very annoying brake problem!

[rolfsent]

I have a 1999 Tahoe 4x4 and i'm having multiple issues with the brakes. Okay, so first off I had my rear brakes replaced about 2 months ago and for the last couple weeks the back brakes make a terrible screeching noise and feel weak. I took it back to my mechanic to check it out he said he found nothing wrong. So i'm guessing he's full of s**t because something is obviously wrong. The other problem is the brakes extremely sensitive, I feel like i'm about to thrown into the dash with the slightest touch of the brake pedal. Sometimes the front wheels lock up and I skid about 3 or 4 times before coming to a stop when i'm trying to break semi-quickly. Right now i'm at a loss on what to do wtih my brakes.

 

[99Yuk]

...The other problem is the brakes extremely sensitive, I feel like i'm about to thrown into the dash with the slightest touch of the brake pedal ... Right now i'm at a loss on what to do wtih my brakes.

Gosh. You are having a 'problem' that many of us have spent hundreds of $$$ trying to acheive.

These trucks seem to have weak braking from the factory.
Although yours seem to be at the top end of what we are chasing.

Seriously, I'd like to talk to your mechanic to ask what he did and could he replicate that in mine?


I'd say sit back and enjoy your braking ability!


EDIT: So, I"ve been thinking about the rears screeching and think that maybe he have used the wrong wheel cyl. My Mech has always suggested a 'spacer' added to the wheel cyl, thus reducing the amount of travel the shoes have to move. If your mech accidently put in a larger wheel cyl, then the shoes would be rubbing or at least very close to the drum, so when you step on the brakes, they grab almost imediately and hard, thus slamming your head against the windsheild. IDK, just thinking outloud...

 

[rolfsent]

The problem is the brakes are worse than before. I literally have to brake way before I need to stop just because I don't want my brakes to lock and me get into a accident. The brakes are that sensitive. It's ridiculous. I'm wondering if one of my problems could be the abs or something.

 

[ChiTahoe]

Have them inspected by a different mechanic. The possibilities are endless. Some brake shoe / pad materials are better than others ie, metallic, semi metallic, ceramic, organic... we don't know what he used. There is also a regular version of shoes and pads and a severe duty version. Maybe he over adjusted them, maybe he put the brake shoes on backwards, wheel cylinders are not retracting fully. Hardware adjuster may be seizing, calipers maybe stuck... Maybe the shoes need to be broken in. I can keep going but I would go to a different mechanic and ask them to inspect your brakes. My 2 cents, pay the $100 diagnostic and be able to stop your damn truck properly.

 

[busafreak]

That sounds like a proportioning valve issue. All the pressure is being used up front and its not distributing to the rear. Did he mess with the brake lines? Air in the rear lines? Thats bs that ur mechanic tells you nothing is wrong, when obviously there is a problem. Thats dangerous man, not to mention you are going to go thru the front pads fast as hell and most likelly ruin your rotors.

 

[ncdrtyhoe]

Had the same issue with mine. Got a ABS unit from the junkyard for $30 and had my mechanic put it in because it has to be flashed by the dealer to work with your VIN. He has a connection at the local dealer so he got it done for free but would have cost $150 to flash it. Brakes are smooth as silk now.

 

[JRodGunny]

Right now i'm at a loss on what to do wtih my brakes.

Les Schwab does free brake inspections. They were able to dx my grinding noise like it was nothing. Now, I wouldn't suggest paying them to fix it unless you can't.. But sit back, eat some popcorn, and let them tell you what's wrong.